Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded sharply to a journalist’s question about rising prices, rejecting claims that food costs have increased.

The journalist asked why prices were going up despite the work of a parliamentary commission studying price trends, including what was described as an increase in egg prices.

“Increase in prices is a lie. On the contrary, inflationary processes have slowed down, but we are not satisfied with that. Our goal is to reduce prices as much as possible. The commission will finish its work this week, and next week we will have a working process within the government, after which we will present the final plan to the public,” Kobakhidze said.

When asked when he or his family members last visited a store, he replied that he regularly monitors prices online.

“I follow it - prices are posted on websites, and the prices we had a month ago are the same now, especially for basic products. The real prices reflected online match those in stores. What has increased? What was the price of eggs and what is it now? Or butter?” he said.

After the journalist claimed that eggs cost 0.85 GEL each, Kobakhidze responded:

“What 0.85? Should I take you and have you buy 10 eggs for 4.60 GEL?”

The exchange continued with discussion about meat prices.

“How much does it cost? You tell me the price, and I’ll correct you. I’ll take you and have you buy half a kilo of beef and pork for 10 GEL,” the Prime Minister said.

When pressed further about where such prices could be found, he added:

“I’ll have you buy half a kilo for 10 GEL - beef and pork. You said 40. I’ll take you to a store right after this recording and show you the prices, including those listed online,” Kobakhidze stated.